Method and apparatus for design and fabrication of customized eyewear

ABSTRACT

Eyewear can include lenses having perimeters that are customized for an intended wearer. The perimeter of the lenses can be determined based on anatomical features of the wearer&#39;s face, the wearer&#39;s field of vision, or other parameters specific to that individual. Determination of the lens perimeters can involve developing a three-dimensional model of a wearer&#39;s face and/or head, demarcating a lens perimeter over an obtained image of a user&#39;s face, or delineating the boundary of a wearer&#39;s peripheral vision. A provisional lens perimeter obtained by any of these methods may be modified in curvature and/or size to arrive at a desired final lens perimeter. Customized lenses can be fabricated based on the determined lens perimeters. The customized lenses can be assembled into completed eyewear that is customized for a wearer, for example having shapes, sizes, and designs not otherwise possible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/797,182, filed on Mar. 12, 2013. The entire content of theabove-identified application is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to eyewear, and especiallyeyewear customized for a wearer.

Description of the Related Art

Eyewear has a wide variety of applications, including opticalcorrection, safety (such as in construction or sports), aesthetics,shading the eyes from sunlight, and viewing three-dimensional images orvideo.

In each of these applications, eyewear is typically mass-produced withlittle or no customization. At most, a consumer may select from avariety of off-the-shelf eyewear designs and have lenses shaped foroptical prescription. However, the shape and dimensions of the face, aswell as the field of vision, vary widely from one individual to thenext, and it may therefore be beneficial to provide eyewear that iscustomized to the wearer's face, field of vision, or other parametersspecific to that individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have severalinnovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for thedesirable attributes disclosed herein.

In one aspect customized eyewear can comprise: a first lens having afront surface, a back surface, and a perimeter, wherein the perimeter iscustomized for a wearer; and a second lens having a front surface, aback surface, and a perimeter, wherein the perimeter is customized forthe wearer.

In some embodiments, the perimeters of the first and second lenses caneach be customized for the wearer on the basis of one or more of:peripheral vision of the wearer; shape of the wearer's nose; curvatureof the wearer's face; and shape or location of the wearer's orbits. Insome embodiments, the perimeters of the first and second lenses can eachbe further customized for the wearer on the basis of non-physicalattributes of a wearer. In some embodiments, the eyewear can be rimless.In some embodiments, the eyewear can further comprise a frame thatsupports the first and second lenses, wherein the frame is configured tohold the first and second lenses against at least a portion of thewearer's face in a first position. In some embodiments, in the firstposition at least one of the first and second lenses is in contact withthe wearer's face. In some embodiments, the first and second lenses areconfigured such that when the frame is in the first position against thewearer's face, the wearer cannot view the perimeter of the first lens orthe perimeter of the second lens. In some embodiments, the first lenshas optical power. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the first lensencloses a larger or smaller area than the perimeter of the second lens.In some embodiments, the first lens and the second lens are asymmetricalwith respect to one another.

In accordance with another aspect, a method for producing customizedeyewear comprises: obtaining one or more parameters of a wearer's faceor field of vision; determining a perimeter of a first lens based on theone or more parameters; and determining a perimeter of a second lensbased on the one or more parameters.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise storing thedetermined perimeters of the first and second lenses. In someembodiments, the method can further comprise transmitting the storedperimeters to an optical laboratory (lab). In some embodiments, themethod can further comprise fabricating the first and second lensesbased on the determination of the perimeters. In some embodiments, thedetermining the perimeters of the first and second lenses can comprise:determining a provisional perimeter of the first lens; determining aprovisional perimeter of the second lens; comparing the provisionalperimeters of the first and second lenses; determining a final perimeterof a first lens based on the comparison; and determining a finalperimeter of the second lens based on the comparison. In someembodiments, the provisional perimeters of the first and second lensescan be asymmetrical with respect to one another, and the finalperimeters of the first and second lenses can be symmetrical withrespect to one another. In some embodiments, determining the finalperimeters of the first and second lenses can comprise obtaining anaverage the provisional perimeters of the first and second lenses. Insome embodiments, determining the final perimeters of the first andsecond lenses can comprise adjusting the provisional perimeters based onnon-physical attributes of the wearer. In some embodiments, obtainingone or more parameters comprises measuring dimensions of the wearer'sface. In some embodiments, the dimensions can comprise one or more of:shape of the wearer's nose; curvature of the wearer's face; and shape orlocation of the wearer's orbits. In some embodiments, measuringdimensions of the wearer's face can comprise using images of thewearer's face to create a three-dimensional model of the wearer's face.In some embodiments, obtaining one or more parameters can compriseobtaining an image of the wearer's face, and determining the perimetersof the first and second lenses can comprise delineating the perimeterswith respect to the obtained image. In some embodiments, delineating theperimeters can comprise drawing the perimeters over the obtained image.In some embodiments, obtaining one or more parameters can comprisemeasuring the peripheral vision of an eye of the wearer. In someembodiments, measuring the peripheral vision can comprise identifying apoint at which the eye cannot view an object positioned about theperiphery of the field of vision of the eye. In some embodiments, thepoint can be at a position nearest the eye's field of vision at whichthe eye cannot view the object. In some embodiments, measuring theperipheral vision can comprise identifying a plurality of such points,and extrapolating to develop a line circumscribing the eye, the linedefining a boundary of the field of vision of the eye. In someembodiments, the perimeter of the first lens corresponds to the line.

In accordance with another aspect, a method for producing customizedeyewear can comprise: receiving dimensions of a perimeter of a firstlens, the perimeter being customized for a wearer; receiving dimensionsof a perimeter of a second lens, the perimeter being customized for thewearer; and fabricating first and second lenses based on the receiveddimensions.

In some embodiments, the perimeters of the first and second lenses canbe determined based on one or more parameters of a wearer's face orfield of vision. In some embodiments, the method can further compriseassembling the first and second lenses in a frame. In some embodiments,the frame can be customized for the wearer. In some embodiments, themethod can comprise fabricating only less than 10 lenses based on thereceived dimensions. In some embodiments, the method can comprisefabricating only less than 5 lenses based on the received dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and side views of an example of customizedeyewear on a wearer.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of rimless customized eyewear.

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of full rim customized eyewear.

FIG. 2C is a front perspective view of customized eyewear having aunitary or shield-type lens.

FIG. 2D is a front perspective view of customized eyewear having aunitary or shield-type lens formed of three components.

FIG. 3A illustrates front and side images of an individual.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a three-dimensional model obtainedfrom the images of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an operator manually delineating a lens perimeter onan image of an individual.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plurality of points delineating a lens perimeteraround an eye, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates a variety of lens perimeters.

FIG. 5C illustrates a plurality of points delineating a lens perimeteraround an eye, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a provisional lens perimeter.

FIGS. 6B-6D are a variety of final lens perimeters based on theprovisional lens perimeter of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of designing customizedeyewear.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of fabricating customizedeyewear.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example system architecture for the design andfabrication of customized eyewear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is directed to certain embodiments for thepurposes of describing the innovative aspects of this disclosure.However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude ofdifferent ways. The described embodiments may be implemented in anydevice or system that can be configured to provide visualization of asurgical site. Thus, the teachings are not intended to be limited to theembodiments depicted solely in the figures. and described herein, butinstead have wide applicability as will be readily apparent to onehaving ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and side views of customized eyewear on awearer. The eyewear 100 is illustrated here as worn by an individual101. The eyewear 100 is a dual lens configuration including a right lens103 and left lens 105 (with left and right here defined from theperspective of the wearer 101). Right temple 107 is coupled to the rightlens 103 at connection point 109, while left temple 111 is coupled tothe left lens 105 at connection point 113. Each of the temples 107 and111 extend rearwardly from their respective connection points 109 and113 on the lateral sides of the lenses to the wearer's ears 115. In someembodiments, a hinge can be positioned at each of connection points 109and 113, which permits the temples 107 and 111 to be folded inwardtowards the lenses 103 and 105. A bridge 117 extends between aconnection point 119 of the right lens 103 to a connection point 121 ofleft lens 105. Nose pads 123 are positioned near the medial portion ofthe lenses 103 and 105, and can be coupled to the bridge 111. In theillustrated embodiment, the eyewear 100 is rimless. However, asdescribed in more detail below, in other embodiments the eyewear mayhave full or partial rims. In some embodiments, the dual lensconfiguration can be replaced with a unitary or shield-type lens, forexample as often used in goggles.

Each of the lenses 103 and 105 include a front surface, a back surface,and an edge extending between the front and back surfaces. The contourof the edge defines the perimeter of each lens as a closed loop in twoor three-dimensional space. As seen in FIG. 1B, the lateral portion ofthe right lens 103 in the illustrated embodiment extends rearward andtapers to partially “wrap around” the face of the wearer 101. In otherembodiments, the lens may be substantially flat or assume other shapes.

One or both of the lenses may have optical power (e.g., correctivelenses, reading glasses), or conversely may be without optical power. Insome embodiments, one or both of the lenses can be polarized, or tinted(for example colored or darkened) to protect the wearer's eyes fromsunlight or other bright lights. In some embodiments, one or both of thelenses can be made of glass, plastic (such as CR-39), polycarbonate,Trivex®, or other transparent or partially transparent material. In someembodiments, one or both lenses may be treated with an optical coating,such as antireflective coating, high-reflective coating, andscratch-resistant coating. In some embodiments, one or both of thelenses may have an optical power consistent with a prescription from anoptometrist or ophthalmologist. For example, the prescription mayindicate the power to which each lens should be made in order toalleviate the effects of refractive errors, including myopia(nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), astigmatism, andpresybopia. In some embodiments, one or both lenses may be bifocalshaving two distinct optical powers in a single lens. In someembodiments, one or both lenses may be trifocals having three distinctoptical powers in a single lens. In some embodiments, one or both lensescan be progressive, having a graduated optical power across the lens.

The perimeters of the lenses may assume a wide variety of shapes. Insome embodiments, the perimeter of each lens is based on one or moreparameters of an intended wearer (for example, an optometry patient).For example, in some embodiments, the perimeter of each lens may beshaped such that, when worn by the intended wearer, the perimetersubstantially tracks the outer limits of the wearer's field-of-vision.In this configuration, the perimeters of the lenses may be such that,when worn by the intended wearer, the lenses cover the wearer's entirefield-of-vision and the edges of the lenses are not visible to thewearer. In some embodiments, the perimeters may be shaped to correspondto only a portion of the limits of the wearer's field-of-vision. In someembodiments, the perimeters may not be shaped to correspond to anyportion of the limits of the wearer's field-of-vision, but rather may beshaped based on other features of the intended wearer.

In some embodiments, the perimeter of each lens may be shaped tocorrespond to certain anatomical features of the intended wearer's face.For example, the medial edge of the lens may be shaped to follow thecontours of the wearer's nose. In some embodiments, the superior edge ofthe lens may be shaped to follow the contours of the supraorbital arch(i.e., the eyebrow bone) of the intended wearer. In some embodiments,the inferior (lower) and lateral (side) edges of the lens may be shapedto follow the lateral and inferior contours of the orbit (including, forexample, the frontal bone, zygomatic bone, and maxillary bone). Variousother configurations are possible. For example, the perimeters may beshaped to correspond not to skeletal features, but to superficialanatomical features, such as the wearer's eyebrows, eyelashes, a scar,birth mark, or other feature of a wearer's face. Additionally, the shapeof the perimeters may depend in part on the size and shape of thewearer's facial muscles (e.g., frontalis, procerus, orbicularis oculi,zygomaticus), the size and shape superficial fat compartments of thewearer's face (e.g., superior orbital, inferior orbital, lateralorbital, lateral temporal-cheek, central, nasolabial), or otheranatomical features of the wearer's face or head. The perimeters may becustomized for particular applications. For example, safety eyewear canhave lenses customized to protect the wearer's eyes from incomingprojectiles or radiation from any direction. Similarly, the lensperimeters may be customized to block wind from reaching a wearer'seyes. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the lens may be shaped atleast in part based on aesthetic or stylistic considerations.

In addition to customization of the lens perimeters, the points ofconnection to the temples and bridge may additionally be customized fora wearer. For example, the dimensions of the nasal bridge may affectboth the size of the bridge 111 and the location of connection points119 and 121. Additionally, the location of connection points 109 and 113between the temples and the lenses can be customized based on thelocation of the wearer's ears 115. In some embodiments, the right andleft lenses may be asymmetrical, with respect to one or more of theperimeter, connection point to temples, and connection point to thebridge. In some embodiments, the perimeters of asymmetrical lenses mayenclose areas of differing sizes. The human face is typicallyasymmetrical. Accordingly, depending on which features are used for thecustomization, the right and left lenses may be asymmetrical.Additionally, the height of the left and right ears may not beidentical, and accordingly the position of the connection points 109 and111 may be asymmetrical between the two lenses. In some embodiments, thelenses may be symmetrical with respect to one or more of the perimeter,connection point to temples, and connection point to the bridge. The useof customized lenses may allow for bridge and temples having designs andshapes that are otherwise not possible or practical when the shape ofthe lens is pre-existing.

The customization of lens perimeters, points of connection to templesand bridge, and frame represents a fundamentally different approach tothe sale, design, and fabrication of eyeglasses as compared with currentindustry practice. In the conventional approach, the frames aretypically mass produced and designed to retain lenses having a givenperimeter. The lens blanks are also typically mass produced. To produceindividual prescription eyewear, for example, lenses are obtained byselecting an appropriate blank and modifying as needed to produce thedesired optical power. A lens having a perimeter that matches the frameor is otherwise standard for the selected eyewear model, is cut from thelens blank (edged) and mounted in the standard frame or otherwiseintegrated into the eyewear. As described in more detail below, thepresent disclosure describes an approach that is radically different.Rather than searching for pre-made glasses of a given shape that bestfit the wearer's physical and/or aesthetic attributes and requirements,the glasses may be custom fabricated and shaped to fit the wearer'sphysical and aesthetic attributes and requirements. By starting withmeasurements of the wearer's face and/or field of vision, eyewear can beproduced that is tailor made to the individual wearer, potentiallyproviding superior fit and functionality.

FIGS. 2A-2C are front perspective views of different embodiments ofcustomized eyewear. With respect to FIG. 2A, the eyewear 200 having adual lens configuration includes a right lens 203 and a left lens 205.As described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the lensesincludes a front surface, a back surface, and an edge extending betweenthe front and back surfaces. Edge 204 defines the perimeter of the rightlens 203, while edge 206 defines the perimeter of left lens 205. Thecontours of these edges define the perimeter of each lens as a closedloop in three-dimensional space. Right temple 207 is coupled to theright lens 203 at connection point 209, while left temple 211 is coupledto the left lens 205 at connection point 213. A bridge 215 extendsbetween a connection point 217 of the right lens 203 to a connectionpoint 219 of left lens 205. Nose pads 221 are positioned near the medialportion of the lenses 203 and 205, and are be coupled to the bridge 211.In the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear 100 is rimless.

FIG. 2B illustrates eyewear 200 that is similar to that illustrated inFIG. 2A, except that the right and left lenses 203 and 205 are retainedin a frame 223 having full rims. In this embodiment the frame 223includes a bridge portion 215. Right temple 207 is coupled to the rightlateral edge of the frame 223 at connection point 209, and left temple211 is coupled to the left lateral edge of frame 223 at connection point213. In some embodiments, a hinge can be positioned at each ofconnection points 209 and 213, which permits the temples 207 and 211 tobe folded inward towards the lenses 103 and 105. The frame 223 mayassume a variety of shapes and be made from a variety of materials. Forexample, in various embodiments the frame 223 can be made of plastic,metal, metal alloys, rubber, or other suitable material. The frame 223can assume various thicknesses depending on the application in additionto aesthetic or stylistic considerations. Although the illustratedembodiment shows a frame 223 that fully circumscribes each lens 203 and205, in other embodiments a frame may only partially surround each lens.For example, a frame may only follow the superior edge of the lenses,while the lateral, medial, and inferior edges may not be surrounded bythe frame. In some embodiments, the frame may be flexible, and can bemade to follow the contour of the perimeters of the lenses. Variousother configurations are possible.

FIG. 2C illustrates eyewear 250 that is similar to that illustrated inFIG. 2A, except that the illustrated embodiment includes a unitary orshield-type lens design, in contrast to the dual lens configuration ofFIG. 2A. As shown, the unitary or shield-type lens 251 is configured tocover both left and right eyes of the wearer. The unitary or shield-typelens 251 includes a right lens portion 253 and a left lens portion 255,with a bridge portion 257 that is made of the lens material, rather thana separate bridge as in FIG. 2A. Right temple 259 is coupled to theright lateral edge of the right lens portion 253 at connection point261, and left temple 263 is coupled to the left lateral edge of leftlens portion 255 at connection point 265. In some embodiments, a hingecan be positioned at each of connection points 261 and 265, whichpermits the temples 259 and 263 to be folded inward towards the unitaryor shield-type lens 251.

FIG. 2D illustrates eyewear 250 that is similar to that illustrated inFIG. 2C, except that the illustrated embodiment includes a unitary orshield-type lens design fabricated by combining three componentportions. As illustrated, the right lens portion 253, left lens portion255, and bridge portion 257 are formed separately, and then joinedtogether along lines 267. In various embodiments, the portions can bejoined together by the use of adhesives such as glue, by engagement ofcomplementary structures on the adjacent portions, or by anothermechanism. In some embodiments, each of the right lens portion 253, leftlens portion 255, and bridge portion 257 may be formed of similarmaterial—for example clear polycarbonate. In some embodiments, one ormore of these portions can be formed of a different material orcomposition. For example, the bridge portion 257 may be tinted with adifferent hue than the left and right lens portions 255 and 257. The useof separate right and left lens portions 253 and 255 jointed together bya bridge portion 257 can provider certain advantages. For example, inthe case of prescription lenses, it can be difficult to produce aunitary or shield-type lens with the appropriate corrective optics foreach eye. By forming separate left and right lens portions 253 and 255,appropriate processing can be undertaken to provide the prescribedcorrective optics for each eye. These two portions can then be joinedtogether to produce a unitary or shield-type lens from the separatelyformed components

FIGS. 3A-5 illustrate a variety of methods for determining a perimeterof a lens customized for a wearer. With respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B,images of an individual may be obtained and utilized to create athree-dimensional model of the individual's head and/or face. As shownin FIG. 3A, for example, front and side images of an individual can betaken by a camera or other imaging device. Although direct front andside views are illustrated, in other embodiments different views of theindividual can be captured. In some embodiments, a video of theindividual may be recorded, rather than discrete images. In someembodiments, two or three or more images may be obtained from a varietyof angles. FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensionalmodel obtained from images such as the images of FIG. 3A. Tomographymethods for creating three-dimensional models from a plurality of twodimensional images are well known in the art. The three-dimensionalmodel can include the dimensions and shape of certain features of thewearer's face. Using the three-dimensional model, perimeters of left andright lenses can be determined based on selected criteria. For example,as noted above, the lens perimeter may be shaped to follow the contoursof the wearer's face, such as the lateral borders of the wearer's nose,the supraorbital arch, lateral and inferior contours of the orbit, etc.Additionally, points at which the lenses are configured to connect to abridge or temples can also be customized based on size, shape, andlocation of anatomical features or combinations thereof, such as thewearer's nose bridge and ears. Such shapes and contours can bedetermined based on the three-dimensional model, thereby permitting lensperimeters to be specifically tailored to a wearer's facial features,without the need for invasive measurement of the wearer's face. In someembodiments, the three-dimensional model can be developed withoutrequiring individual images to be obtained first. For example, a laserscan of an individual's face may be sufficient to generate athree-dimensional model, without the intervening step of obtaining oneor more images of an individual's face. Other techniques for generatingthree-dimensional models may also be used.

In use, an operator may obtain a plurality of images of an individualdesiring customized eyewear. The operator may include, but is notlimited to, an optometrist, ophthalmologist, nurse, technician, ordesigner. The images may be utilized by a computer system to develop athree-dimensional model of the individual's head and/or face. In someembodiments, the computer system may automatically generate customizedlens perimeters based on the three-dimensional model based onpre-programmed criteria. In some embodiments, the operator and/orindividual may provide certain input to the computer system, which maythen in turn be used to generate customized lens perimeters. Forexample, the operator and/or individual may choose to obtain lensperimeters that closely abut the lateral edges of the wearer's nose,while assuming a substantially rectangular shape when viewed directly.These preferences can be provided to the computer system, for example byselection as one of several provided options, or by direct input. Thecomputer system may then use this input and the three-dimensional modelto generate customized lens perimeters. In some embodiments, thecomputer system may allow for the selection of frames, temples, bridges,and other components of the eyewear. As noted above, the design andshape of frames, temples, and other components may themselves takesubstantially different forms compared to current practice, so as toaccommodate and take advantage of the customized lens perimeters asdescribed herein. In various embodiments, any of the frames, temples,bridge and other components may be customized for the wearer.

In some embodiments, the operator may draw on the three-dimensionalmodel to create a customized lens perimeter design. In some embodiments,the individual may collaborate with the operator to create thecustomized lens perimeter design. An electronic rendition of thecustomized lenses may be superimposed over an image of thethree-dimensional model or other image of the individual. The individualmay then elect to modify the lens perimeter design based on his or herreview of the superimposed image. In some embodiments, the superimposedimage may include a rendition of the completed eyewear, includingselected frames, temples, bridges, and the customized lenses. In someembodiments, of these components can be modified by the user or operatoras desired to arrive at a final design. In some embodiments, this designmay be transmitted, electronically or otherwise, to an opticallaboratory. As described in more detail below, the optical laboratorymay use the received design to fabricate customized lenses and, in someembodiments, the accompanying frame, temples, bridge, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates an operator manually delineating a lens perimeter onan image of an individual. In some embodiments, an image of an intendedwearer can be obtained. A desired lens perimeter may then be directlydrawn, traced, or otherwise delineated over the image of the intendedwearer. In some embodiments, this process can be repeated on multipleimages from different views. The lens perimeter may be drawn based onanatomical features as well as stylistic or aesthetic preferences. Insome embodiments, the camera may be calibrated such that directmeasurements of the dimensions of the face and eyes are not necessary.In some embodiments, for example, the camera used to obtain the imagemay be placed at a predetermined distance from the individual or includea distance measuring system to determine the distance and assist inperforming accurate measurements.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plurality of points delineating a lens perimeteraround an eye. In some embodiments, the plurality of points 501 forms aline 503 circumscribing the eye 505 of an intended wearer. The line 501can be extrapolated from a plurality of individual points 503. In someembodiments, each point 503 represents a location nearest the wearer'seye 505 at which the eye 505 is unable to view an object. As such, theline 501 reflects the measured limits of the peripheral vision of theeye 505. The plurality of points 501 can be obtained in a variety ofways. For example, in some embodiments, an object can be placed directlyin front of the eye 505. The object can be moved towards the peripheryof the eye 505 until the eye 505 can no longer view the object. At sucha point 501, the limit of the peripheral vision of the eye 505 isobtained. This can be repeated, moving the object in differentdirections from the center until a plurality of points 501 have beenobtained. Another approach is to move an object from a starting positionoutside the peripheral vision of the eye 505, and move the objecttowards the center of the eye 505. The first point at which the eye 505can view the object can be identified as a point 501, and reflects themeasured limit of the peripheral vision of the eye 505 along onedirection. This process can be repeated until a plurality of points 501has been obtained. In some embodiments, a display that moves an objectinward or outward from the center of a wearer's field-of-vision can beused to measure the limits of the wearer's peripheral vision.

In some embodiments, a transparent sheet may be placed in front of theeye 505, and the points 501 may be marked directly on the transparentsheet. In some embodiments, the points 501 may be identified viacomputer on a video recording of the wearer's face. For example, theabove measurements can be performed on an individual while video of theindividual is being recorded. As the points 501 are identified, they maybe electronically marked on the recorded video, and the positions on thepoints 501 relative to the wearer's face can be stored.

FIG. 5B illustrates a variety of lens perimeters 505 a-505 e fordifferent intended wearers. Delineating lens perimeters to correspond tothe limits of a wearer's peripheral vision can result in a variety ofdifferent shapes. Limits of peripheral vision differ among individuals,and accordingly lens perimeters based on these limits can vary widely,as seen in FIG. 5B. Accordingly, as demonstrated by FIG. 5B, lensperimeters can vary widely for different wearers when the lensperimeters are customized for the individual wearer based on someparameters and measurements intrinsic to the wearer. As notedpreviously, FIG. 5B also shows that in some embodiments the lensperimeters may be symmetrical, while in other embodiments there may beasymmetry between left and right lenses.

FIG. 5C illustrates a plurality of points delineating a lens perimeteraround an eye, according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, theplurality of points 511 forms a line 513 circumscribing the eye 515 ofan intended wearer. The line 511 can be extrapolated from a plurality ofindividual points 513, and can define the shape of a lens perimeter.These individual points 513 and the line 511 can be designed such thatthe lens fits snugly against the face of an intended wearer and blockswind or particulates from reaching the eye 515. In some embodiments, thelens perimeter corresponding to line 513 of this configuration mayencompass a larger area than that of a lens perimeter as described inFIG. 5A, which corresponds to the limits of the peripheral vision of awearer. In some embodiments, the area encompassed by the lens perimeter515 of this configuration may be smaller than that of the lens perimeteras described in FIG. 5A. As described above, the lens perimeter can bedetermined based on anatomical features of a wearer's face. In someembodiments, anatomical features can be used to provide a lens perimetercorresponding to line 513 that blocks substantially all wind,particulates, dust, debris, or other objects from reaching the wearer'seye 515. For example, the lens perimeters can be such that, when worn bythe intended wearer, the average distance between the perimeter of eachlens and the wearer's face is less than about 5 mm. In some embodiments,the average distance between the perimeter of each lens and the wearer'sface may be less than about 5 mm for at least 80% of the perimeters.That is, for at least 80% of the length of each perimeter, the averagedistance between the perimeter and the wearer's face can be less than 5mm. In some embodiments, the average distances noted above can be lessthan about 10 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, less thanabout 1 mm, or less than about 0.1 mm. In each case, the distance at anypoint on the perimeter can be measured as a shortest distance betweenthe point and the wearer's face. In various embodiments, the rimportions of frames may be similarly configured such that an averagedistance between the rim portion and the wearer's face may be less thanabout 10 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about2 mm, less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.1 mm.

As the anatomical features of the face can vary widely from oneindividual to the next, the line 513 may take substantially differentshapes for different individuals in order to achieve this effect. Insome instances, there may be multiple alternative lens perimeters for asingle individual that would achieve the effect of blockingsubstantially all wind, particulates, etc. from reaching the wearer'seye 515. Lenses in this configuration can be particularly suitable foruse during sports or as safety equipment. In some embodiments, suchwind-blocking lens perimeters can eliminate the need for goggles.

FIG. 6A is a provisional lens perimeter. This lens perimeter 601 may beobtained by any of the methods described above. In some embodiments,this provisional lens perimeter 601 can be a set of dimensions that havebeen determined and recorded, for example specifying the size andcontour of the perimeter. In other embodiments, this provisional lensperimeter 601 can take the form of a physical lens that has beenfabricated with a given perimeter. In either case, this provisional lensperimeter 601 can be used as a starting point to develop a variety oflens perimeters that differ in one or more ways from the provisionallens perimeter.

FIGS. 6B-6D are a variety of final lens perimeters based on theprovisional lens perimeter of FIG. 6A. For example, the final lens 603of FIG. 6B is a scaled enlarged implementation of the provisional lensperimeter 601. An operator may first determine a provisional lensperimeter 601 that closely follows the outline of the intended wearer'sorbit. However, the intended wearer may desire customized eyewear inwhich the lenses are of similar shape, but are slightly larger than thedetermined provisional lens perimeter 601. Accordingly, a scaledenlarged lens 603 can be fabricated based on the wearer's preferences.Of course, in various other embodiments the final lens perimeter can bea scaled shrunken implementation of the provisional lens perimeter. Asshown in FIG. 6C, the provisional lens perimeter 601 can assume aunitary or shield-type lens configuration. For example, a provisionallens 601 for one eye may be used (for example, may be mirrored) toprovide a provisional lens for the other eye. Alternatively, a separateprovisional lens can be determined for each eye. The two provisionallenses may then be used in conjunction to arrive at the final perimeter605 having a unitary or shield-type lens design. FIG. 6D illustratesanother final lens perimeter 607. As illustrated, the inferior edge ofthe final lens perimeter 607 is substantially flat in comparison to themore curved inferior edge of the provisional lens perimeter 601. This isjust one example of changing the shape of a portion of the provisionallens perimeter to arrive at a modified, final lens perimeter. In variousembodiments, any portion of the provisional lens perimeter may bemodified. Such modifications can include, for example, altering theshape, curvature, slope, or to provide a protrusion or indentation. Suchalterations may be used to cover eyebrows, a scar, or a birthmark, etc.Various other modifications to the provisional lens perimeter may bemade, including modifications to the curvature, size, or otherdimensions or feature.

In some embodiments, a provisional lens perimeter may be determined foreach of a wearer's left and right eyes. As noted above, these perimetersmay be asymmetrical. If so, then final lens perimeters may either bedetermined that retain at least some asymmetry, or alternatively thefinal lens perimeters may be modified with respect to the provisionallens perimeters to arrive at a symmetrical design. For example, theprovisional lens perimeters of for left and right eyes can be compared,and one or both can be modified until symmetry is achieved. In someembodiments, the provisional lens perimeters for left and right eyes canbe averaged to achieve symmetrical final lens perimeters for left andright eyes. In some embodiments, the provisional lens perimeters forleft and right eyes can be only partially averaged or modified, so as todecrease asymmetry without achieving full symmetry between the left andright final lens perimeters. Various other modifications to thedetermined provisional lens perimeters are possible to arrive at finallens perimeters. These modifications can reflect practical requirements,stylistic choices, or other factors. For example, a particular wearermay prefer lenses to be more or less “pointy”, or may desire lenses thatrest higher on the face than typical eyewear. Another wearer may preferlenses to be more square. In some embodiments, the provisional lensperimeters may be enlarged to arrive at the final lens perimeters so asto prevent any air from blowing into a wearer's eyes. Various other suchmodifications are possible.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of designing customizedeyewear. The process 700 begins with block 701, obtaining one or moreparameters of a wearer's face and/or field of vision. As noted above,parameters of a wearer's face can include the shape and dimensions of awearer's facial features, such as nose, orbit, cheeks, ears, eyebrows,scar, birthmark, etc. Parameters of a wearer's face can be obtained viadirect measurement, by developing a three-dimensional model of awearer's face and/or head, or other approaches. Additionally, anycombination of the approaches discussed herein may be used to obtainparameters of a wearer's face. For example, the design process may relyin part computer-based perimeter generation and in part on manualdelineation such as hand-drawing to arrive at a customized lensperimeter. Similarly, the design process can rely in part on ameasurement of the peripheral vision of the wearer, and in part onmanual delineation. In other embodiments, the design process can rely inpart on computer-based perimeter generation and in part on measurementof the peripheral vision of the wearer. Any of these approaches may becombined or used in conjunction to arrive at a customized lensperimeter. For example, two or more methods may be used to provide alens perimeter, followed by an averaging of the lens perimeters providedby each of the methods. As noted above, parameters of a wearer's fieldof vision can include the delineated limits of a wearer's peripheralvision. Limits of the wearer's peripheral vision can be obtained asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 5A-B, for example. Otherapproaches are also possible.

The process 700 continues in block 703 with determining a perimeter of afirst lens based on the one or more parameters, and in block 705 withdetermining a perimeter of a second lens based on the one or moreparameters. As noted above, the perimeter of the first and second lensescan be determined in a variety of ways. For example, the lens perimetercan follow certain features of the wearer's face, such as the lateraledge of the nose, the supraorbital ridge, the orbit, etc. In someembodiments, the lens perimeter can correspond to the limits of thewearer's peripheral vision. As described above, in some embodiments, aprovisional lens perimeter can be determined for each of the first andsecond lenses. Then, the provisional lens perimeters can be modified inany number of ways to arrive at a final lens perimeter for each lens. Inother embodiments, the final lens perimeter can be determined directlyfrom the obtained parameters of the wearer's face or field of vision. Insome embodiments, the perimeters of the first and second lenses can bedetermined by an operator remotely from the individual for whom thelenses are customized. For example, images of the individual may betaken remotely and transmitted to the operator, electronically orotherwise. The operator may then use the images to determine theperimeters of the lenses as described above (e.g., manually delineatingperimeters, generating a three-dimensional model).

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of fabricating customizedeyewear. The process 800 begins in block 801 with receiving dimensionsof a perimeter of a first lens, the perimeter being customized for awearer. In various embodiments, the dimensions may have been determinedby the sender according to one or more of the approaches outlined above.The dimensions may be received as an electronic model of the lens, asmeasured lens dimensions, as a molded prototype, or other manner. Theprocess 800 continues in block 803 with receiving dimensions of aperimeter of a second lens, the perimeter being customized for a wearer.In block 805 first and second lenses are fabricated based on thereceived dimensions. The lenses can be fabricated via injection molding,or by successive lens grinding and polishing. Lens grinding can beperformed manually or may be automated. As with current lens productiontechniques, an appropriate blank may be selected. Typically, the blankwill already have the front of the lens with a particular curveappropriate for a given optical power. If not, the front of the lens canbe ground either manually or via a computer-controlled process. The backsurface of the lens is ground to achieve the desired optical power.Additionally cutting around the edges (edging) can be performed untilthe perimeter of the blank is shaped to the received dimensions.

In some embodiments, the lenses may then be placed into a frame. Asnoted above, the frame may be rimless or have a full rim. In someembodiments, the frame can be customized for the wearer. For example,required dimensions for the bridge and/or temples can be received, andan appropriate frame fabricated or selected based on the receiveddimensions. In some embodiments, only less than 10 lenses are fabricatedbased on the received dimensions. In some embodiments, only less than 5lenses are fabricated based on the received dimensions.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example system architecture for the design andfabrication of customized eyewear. A lens determination system 901 isconfigured to interact and communicate with the intended wearer 903and/or the operator 905. In some embodiments, the lens perimeterdetermination system 901, intended wearer 903, and operator 905 may allbe located within a shared location, for example in an optometrist'soffice. In other embodiments, as noted above, the intended wearer may beremote from the operator and/or the lens perimeter determination system.The lens perimeter determination system 901 can include a display 907,data storage 909, processor 911, and measurement device(s) 913. Themeasurement device(s) 913 may include, for example, a camera, laserscanner, or equipment to measure limits of peripheral vision. Themeasurement device 913 may be used, for example, to obtain certainparameters of the face and/or field of vision of an intended wearer 903.For example, features of the intended wearer's face (e.g., facialcurvature, width of head, position of pupils, position of ears, etc. orcombinations thereof) may be obtained via the measurement device(s) 913.In some embodiments, limits of the peripheral vision of an intendedwearer may be obtained, for example via the method described above withrespect to FIGS. 5A-B. These parameters may be stored in data storage909. The processor 911 may be used to determine lens perimeters based onthe obtained parameters from the measurement device(s) 913 such as usingmethods described herein. In some embodiments, the determined lensperimeters may be graphically displayed to the intended wearer 903and/or the operator 905 via the display 907. As described above, in someembodiments the lens perimeters may be displayed as superimposed over animage of the intended wearer, and may include selected frames, lenscharacteristics (e.g., tinted, antireflective coating, polarized, etc.).In some embodiments, the intended wearer 903 and/or the operator 905 maymanipulate the determined lens perimeters by interacting with the lensdetermination system 901. For example, the intended wearer 903 may viewthe displayed lens perimeters via the display 907, and determine that analternative shape would be desirable. The intended wearer 903 may thenmanipulate the determined lens perimeters to arrive at a desired finallens perimeter, including shape of lens, locations for attachment tobridge and temples, etc. A desired frame may likewise be selected by theintended wearer 903 or the operator 905. The final lens dimensions andselected frame may be stored in data storage 909.

Optical laboratory 915 may also be in communication with the lensperimeter determination system 901. The dashed line indicates that, insome embodiments, the operator 905 and optical laboratory 915 may be thesame person or entity, as described in more detail below. In someembodiments, the operator 905 and the optical laboratory 915 can beseparate and distinct entities. The final lens dimensions stored in datastorage 909 may be transmitted to the optical laboratory 915 in responseto instructions from the intended wearer 903 or the operator 905. Thedimensions may for example be transmitted via a network (e.g., internet,intranet, e-mail) or other avenues. The optical laboratory 915 may thenmake lenses based on the received dimensions, for example by surfacing(grinding), edging, and polishing pre-formed blanks, by molding, orother methods. Optical laboratory 915 may then place the customizedlenses into a frame. In some embodiments, the customized lenses may beplaced into a frame by the user 905 or the intended wearer 903. In someembodiments, the customized lenses may be placed into a frame by athird-party eyewear assembler.

As discussed above, various parameters of the eyewear, such as thelocation of the bridge and the temples with respect to the lens may becustomized for the individual wearer. The optical laboratory, operator,and wearer, or combinations thereof, may contribute to selection ofthese parameters. For example, the operator may decide that the bridgeand/or temples need to be higher, lower, more temporal or more nasal,and communicate such information to the optical laboratory 915. Theoptical laboratory 915 may use these customized frame or assemblyspecifications to drill holes or otherwise connect the bridge andtemples to the lens or otherwise configure the eyewear.

In some embodiments, the frame is selected by the intended wearer 903and/or the operator 905 and stored in data storage 909. The selectedframe may be communicated to the optical laboratory 915.

In some embodiments, a frame supplier may provide a selection ofpossible frames to the lens perimeter determination system 901 so thatthe intended wearer 903 and/or the operator 905 may choose a desiredframe from among those provided by the frames supplier. For example, theframe supplier may provide a selection of possible frames electronicallyto the lens perimeter determination system 901 to be stored in datastorage 909. These possible frames may then be displayed to the intendedwearer 903 and the operator 905 via the display 907. As noted above,selected frames may be displayed along with the customized lenses, insome instances overlaid on top of an image of the intended wearer 903.Once the optical laboratory 915 has fitted the customized lenses to thedesired frames, the assembled eyewear is sent to the intended wearer 903or the operator 905. In some embodiments, the operator 905 may then makefinal adjustments to the assembled eyewear. As noted above, in someembodiments, the lenses may be placed into a frame by the intendedwearer 903 or the operator 905. In other embodiments, the perimeterdetermination system 901 may access databases of frame suppliers (notshown in FIG. 9) who may not be the frame assemblers. The operator may,for example, with input from the wearer, search databases of one or moresuppliers, select a suitable frame, and communicate that information tothe supplier to provide the frame. In some embodiments, differentbridges, temples or other frame components may be interchanged and/orselected by the wearer with the help of the operator. The frameassembler may obtain the frame or selected components directly from thesupplier in some embodiments, although the operator may also relay theframe to the frame assembler. A wide variety of configurations arepossible.

The lens perimeter determination system 901 may be coupled via a network(e.g., the Internet) to one or more of the intended wearer 903, theoperator 905, and the optical laboratory 915. The system 901 may beaccessed by any of these parties via computer systems, mobile smartphones, electronic reader, pads, interactive television sets/set topboxes, as well as other devices known in the art or yet to be devised.The system 901 may be accessed wirelessly, via wired broadbandconnection, or via a public switched telephone network, by way ofexample.

In some embodiments, a variety of prescription or nonprescription clearlenses may be supplied to the operator 905. The supplied lenses mayinclude a variety of different curvature options, for example coveringall curvature options from 0 base curve to 10 base curve. The operator905 may then employ an edging machine to cut or edge a selected lens toa customized perimeter. In some embodiments, the lens selection is basedon the curvature of the wearer's face. In some embodiments, the operator905 may input certain parameters of a wearer's face and/or field ofvision into the edging machine. The machine may then automaticallydetermine the appropriate lens curvature to be selected. The machine maythen automatically cut or edge a desired lens perimeter using lensdesigns having the pre-selected curvature. In some embodiments, thenewly cut or edged lenses may then be placed on the wearer, after whichthe operator 905 may make any necessary adjustments. In this approach,the operator 905 may assume the additional role of the opticallaboratory 915 by use of the machine. In some embodiments, the operator905 may additionally assume the role of the eyewear assembler, byplacing the newly cut lenses into an appropriate frame.

In some embodiments, completed lenses may be sent to an opticallaboratory, which can coat the lenses or use the completed lenses as astandard to fabricate a similar lens. A final assembled eyewear productcan be produced, as described with respect to FIG. 9 above.

In other embodiments, the completed lenses may already be assembled intocompleted eyewear by the operator on-site. For example, in someembodiments the selected lenses may already include a desiredprescription, optical coatings, or other features. The operator may usethe edging machine to cut or edge the selected lenses to a customizedperimeter. The customized lenses may then be drilled and assembled witha frame (for example temples and a bridge, in the case of rimlesseyewear). Any necessary adjustments may be made by the operatorthroughout the process. Unless otherwise indicated, the functionsdescribed herein may be performed by software (e.g., including modules)including executable code and instructions running on one or moresystems including one or more computers, such as barcode and/or otherauthentication computer systems. The software may be stored in computerreadable media (e.g., some or all of the following: optical media (e.g.,CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., fixed or removablemagnetic media), semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory,EPROM, etc.), and/or other types of computer readable media.

The one or more computers can include one or more central processingunits (CPUs) that execute program code and process data, non-transitory,tangible memory, including. for example, one or more of volatile memory,such as random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data and datastructures during program execution, non-volatile memory, such as a harddisc drive, optical drive, or FLASH drive, for storing programs anddata, including databases,” a wired and/or wireless network interfacefor accessing an intranet and/or Internet, and/or other interfaces.

In addition, the computers can include a display for displaying userinterfaces, data, and the like, and one or more user input devices, suchas a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, touch screen, microphone and/orthe like, used to navigate, provide commands, enter information, providesearch queries, and/or the like. The systems described herein can alsobe implemented using general-purpose computers, special purposecomputers, terminals, state machines, and/or hardwired electroniccircuits.

Various embodiments provide for communications between one or moresystems and one or more users. These user communications may be providedto a user terminal (e.g., an Interactive television, a phone, a videogame system, a laptop/desktop computer, a device providing Internetaccess, or other networked device). For example, communications may beprovided via Webpages, downloaded documents, email, SMS (short messagingservice) message, MIMS (multimedia messaging service) message, terminalvibrations, other forms of electronic communication text-to-speechmessage, otherwise.

Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosuremay be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, theprinciples and the novel features disclosed herein.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments also can be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment also can be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations may be described as occurring in aparticular order, this should not be understood as requiring that suchoperations be performed in the particular order described or insequential order, or that all described operations be performed, toachieve desirable results. Further, other operations that are notdisclosed can be incorporated in the processes that are describedherein. For example, one or more additional operations can be performedbefore, after, simultaneously, or between any of the disclosedoperations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of varioussystem components in the embodiments described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single product or packagedinto multiple products. Additionally, other embodiments are within thescope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in theclaims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirableresults.

1. Customized eyewear comprising: a first lens having a front surface, aback surface, and a perimeter, wherein the perimeter is customized for awearer; and a second lens having a front surface, a back surface, and aperimeter, wherein the perimeter is customized for the wearer. 2.-41.(canceled)